Guus Hiddink returns to Russia with strong indications of a full future Chelsea role. Abramovich could not be in a better position with such options. If Ancelotti fails, it sets up Hiddink’s return after World Cup duty is over.
Big Phil in contrast takes up the Bunyodkor job. He could have gone to Angola. The country’s association had wooed him for their squad’s coaching job. Having a high profile name would have been a big boost for the hosts of the 2010 ACN championships. Just as he did with Portugal in Euro 2004.
From Cruzeiro’s coach to managing the national teams of Brazil and Portugal, then onto Chelsea and now, Bunyodkor. With his latest move, Big Phil yet again turns away from the spotlight. His last foray into it was not a happy one. This is his 21st job in 18 years.
He replaces fellow Brazilian, Zico, another big name who has made coaching smaller clubs a career move. Bunyodkor boasts Rivaldo, who shows no signs of slowing down. The club looks on his hiring as an important part of the country’s push to the international arena:
“His challenge will be to raise the standard of the club along with other Uzbekistan national teams in order to excel at the international level.”